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Designing a website is a massive job. Do you design it how you like it or how you think other people will like it? One of the most important factors is the font, making sure that it is easy to read yet bold and eye-catching. Here is a run down of awesome fonts you can add to your website using Cufon and sIFR.
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First of all, let me explain. Prior to the development of Cufon and Sifr, Internet browsers did not allow websites to show dynamic or embedded fonts, i.e. the font the original designer intended the page to be view in. This meant that unless the user had the font loaded onto their system, it would not show as the developer intended. sIFR (scalable Inman Flash Replacement) allows the computer to realize the need for the font to be manually downloaded onto and embeds the font within a flash element which then shows as text. sIFR texts are relatively easy to resize and can also be copied should this be required. (When copying, please ensure that you do not infringe copyright.)
Because of the multiple requests that sIFR has to make from CSS, JavaScript and Flash, it can be slow to run however it is a useful tool as text can be selected and effects can be added.
Popular sIFR fonts include Calluna which is a serif font similar to Times New Roman only neater, Handvetica, a sans serif font similar to Helvetica but not as severe and the more retro Black Jack, which is a script style font.
Credit: exljbris
Example of Calluna typeface
As an alternative to sIFR, Cufon is a worthy contender. Made up of two different parts, there is the font generator, which changes the font into a proprietary format, and a rendering engine, which is written in JavaScript. Despite its uses, Cufon is complicated to set up and a pain to use. Professionals advise that this is not the best solution for high traffic or professional websites as it violates copyrights due to the fonts being embedded. However Cufon works well for developers as changes can be made as and when and designs can be matched without changing each one.
Cufon supports over 9,000 different fonts, examples include Jellyka, a handwriting inspired script with a graffiti-style inspiration. However, titles written solely in capital letters would prove nearly impossible to read. Kids First Print Font, which looks exactly how you would expect, or Chopin Script if you want to give your site a feeling of grandeur.
Credit: jcpedrazap
Example of Jellyka typeface
Looking for something a little more bizarre for your website? Why not try a font completely in hieroglyphics, such as Old Egypt Glyphs, or Football clubs badges like ,a href=”http://www.dafont.com/clubz.font”>Clubz and, as if those weren’t off kilter enough, then Code 128 offers a barcode style. For something a bit more wingdings you have ,a href=”http://www.fontspace.com/n-plus/evilz”>Evilz that offers you all the pumpkins, skulls and crossbones that you need. Try to give someone the inkblot test with WC Rhesus and if you’re designing a top secret website for your eyes only, then you need something that is official looking, like the aptly titled Top Secret.
An obvious pointer, but it would be recommended not to use Cufon and sIFR enabled fonts for large amounts of copy as it could appear too messy to readers. Whichever font(s) you choose, make sure that it fits the style of your website and is easily readable.
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FrontPage Image:alphabetic fonts and numbers, vector illustration via Shutterstock
Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 2 comments Evan ‘OldWorld’ Skuthorpe – November 30, 2011
Why would anyone use sifr?
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Cancel Reply micro multinationals – May 5, 2012
Perfect application of site-cufon-sifr for getting awesome and creative fonts to design your website as for your choice.Fabulous graphics designs techniques are mentioned here.fascinating information.
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